Resources & Links

Getting Started
• Roadmap for Engagement in Legislative Advocacy:  This Roadmap provides guidance on the questions nonprofits should consider in building their capacity for legislative advocacy and developing a strategy for engagement.

• Make a Difference for your Cause in Three Hours a Week:  Lobbying, advocacy and playing an active role in the public policy process are not just for experts!  Your organization can raise public awareness of your cause, build relationships with government and help shape laws and policies that affects its mission by dedicating at least one staff person or volunteer to spend just three hours per week doing public policy work.

• Working in Coalitions:  Often, one of the most powerful ways for nonprofits to engage in the public policy process is by working in coalition with other nonprofits. Effective coalitions can amplify nonprofit voices to legislators and the public, as well as allow coalition members to share the costs of their advocacy efforts.

General Resources
• Alliance for Justice: comprehensive resource on state and federal laws that impact nonprofit advocacy.

• Center for Lobbying in Public Interest: works on nonprofit advocacy and create systemic change by promoting, supporting and protecting nonprofits.

• Independent Sector: a national coalition which "leads, strengthens, and mobilizes the charitable community."

• National Council of Nonprofits: linking local nonprofit organizations across the nation through state associations like CAN.

• Charity Lobbying in the Public Interest: CLPI works to promote nonprofit advocacy and create systemic change by promoting, supporting and protecting.